EATING more fruit may help reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on lung function, according to a large UK Biobank study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2025. Researchers found that participants with the highest fruit intake experienced smaller reductions in lung function linked to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) compared with those consuming less fruit.
Diet and pollution examined in 150,000 participants
The cross-sectional analysis included around 150,000 adults with complete data on diet, lung function, and air pollution exposure. Researchers used a healthy diet score (HDS) based on dietary patterns, alongside modelled annual average air pollution concentrations from the EXPANSE project. Statistical models adjusted for multiple lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, including age, sex, BMI, smoking, passive smoke exposure, alcohol, physical activity, and education.
Fruit intake modifies pollution effects in women
Overall, individuals in the highest HDS tertile had better lung function (FEV1 +41.7 mL; 95% CI: 35.4–48.1) compared with the lowest tertile. While no significant interactions were found between the overall diet score and pollution, fruit intake appeared protective, particularly in women, who reported higher average intakes. Each 5 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 exposure was linked to FEV1 reductions of -94.3 mL in low fruit consumers, -83.2 mL in medium consumers, and -70.1 mL in high fruit consumers. These findings suggest fruit intake may partially offset air pollution-related lung damage.
Implications for respiratory prevention strategies
The results support dietary interventions as a potential strategy to mitigate the respiratory harms of air pollution, particularly in populations with high exposure. Investigators emphasised that while improving air quality remains essential, diet, especially fruit intake, could serve as an additional modifiable factor to protect lung health.
Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm whether dietary changes can meaningfully alter the long-term trajectory of air pollution-related respiratory disease.
Reference
Kaewsri P et al. Does diet modify the effects of air pollution on lung function? A large cross-sectional. Presentation PA495. ERS Congress, 27 September-1 October, 2025.
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